A landmark review reveals that decades of massive federal investment in education—totaling trillions in taxpayer funds—have failed to deliver measurable improvements in core academic performance, as national test scores in reading and math remain stagnant or decline. Critics question whether the Department of Education’s long-standing mission has met its original goals, while policymakers debate whether structural reforms or alternative approaches are needed to address persistent gaps. The findings come as lawmakers and educators grapple with the legacy of a system designed to transform learning outcomes.
The Department of Education was established in 1980 with the promise of improving education outcomes for America’s students. $3 trillion in taxpayer dollars later, national test scores in reading, ...
